Experience Working with Resins for Wide Range of Molding Applications

Chem-Trend has developed and manufactured mold release agents and related process chemicals for over fifty years. In that time we have developed expertise in creating a broad array of products that work with a wide range of resins and binding agents for multiple industry applications. These products work with materials such as:

DCPD

Epoxy

MDI

pMDI

Phenolic

Polyester

Polyether

Polyethylene

TDI

Thermoplastic Resins

Vinyl Ester

However, we also have experience with a vast number of other resins and binding agents. If you don’t see the material that you work with here, contact us so we can discuss how we might be able to help you.

Most of the above resins/binding agents are utilized for specific reasons within limited applications, but some are utilized in multiple applications. Chem-Trend understands the characteristics of each material as it relates to its application, and can help maximize your production process using these materials.

Resins/Binding Agents for Molding of Composites

Typically, but not exclusively, composites are molded with polyester, vinyl ester, epoxy, phenolic, polyether or DCPD resins. These are used by fabricators in the manufacture of a very broad spectrum of composite parts. Resin selection is based upon the environment in which the fabricated composite component will spend its working life. The resin chosen is based upon specific physical and mechanical properties.

In molding, it should be noted that the number of releases achieved between applications of semi-permanent release agent touch-up coats will vary from resin to resin. At the extremes, it is highly likely that the maximum number of releases will be obtained in molding a polyester article, whereas a minimum number might be expected when molding with a phenolic-based resin. Ranking the resins listed above, from maximum to minimum number of releases between application of a semi-permanent release agent, is as follows: polyester, vinyl ester, polyether, DCPD, epoxy and phenolic.

To learn more about our experience in composite molding and the release solutions that we offer for the challenges faced when molding with the resins utilized in these processes read our main Composite Molding page or contact us to speak with one of our composite industry experts.

Resins/Binding Agents for Polyurethane Molding

The forming of parts from Polyurethane encompasses many different processes. Within this variety of processes, there are many different resins/binding agents that are utilized, such as Polyester, MDI, Polyester and TDI. Each material is selected for the specific properties that fit with the process utilized and the end product requirements. Chem-Trend has vast experience working with each of these materials gained through its more than fifty years working in the polyurethane industry.

To learn more about the solutions that we offer for the challenges faced when molding with the resins utilized in polyurethane molding processes read our main Polyurethane Molding page or contact us directly.

Resins for Rotational Molding

A large percentage (90 % plus) of the polymeric resin consumed in rotational molding is polyethylene in various densities. However, a wider variety of thermoplastic molding resins are available for rotational molding as the technique gains popularity around the globe. In the near future, Polyethylene will remain the dominant resin since consumption is relatively small (compared with injection molding of thermoplastic materials), and only a few dedicated suppliers support the demand for rotational molding grades of the plastic.

Chem-Trend mold release agents are specially designed to handle all types of polyethylene in rotational molding. Special grades are available for specific polymers as Chem-Trend supports the industry in its quest to widen the scope of this niche molding technique. To learn more about the solutions that we offer for roto molding, read our main Rotational Molding page or contact us to speak directly with one of our experts.

Resins for Thermoplastics Processing

Thermoplastic processing is a vast industry that covers many different applications and end products. In each type of process, and each application, different types of polymers are employed. Chem-Trend has developed a range of products to address the challenges encountered when processing a wide variety of polymers found in three main categories:

Polyelfines (e.g. PP, PE, TPO)

High temperature resins (e.g. PEEK, PSU, etc.)

Engineered resins (e.g. ABS, HIPS, PS, PA, etc.)

To learn more about our products for the thermoplastic processing industry and how the solutions that we offer can help you save time and money in your operation read our main Thermoplastic Processing page or contact us to speak with one of our experienced thermoplastic industry professionals.

Binding Agents/Resins in Wood Fiber Pressing

The advent of formaldehyde emissions controls has led to the use of binder resins that have made the role of the release agent in the wood composite/panel pressing industry more important. A good example is pMDI, which may prove more difficult to release than “traditional” binders and has been known to increase the rate of build-up on pressing surfaces. pMDI systems can be quite difficult to process, as the composite bound with it can be quite sticky, exhibiting a tendency to bring about build-up on the pressing surface.

Chem-Trend has formulated its release agents in order to get to the heart of the issues of producing wood composites. To learn more about the solutions that we offer for the challenges faced when pressing wood fibers with today’s resins, and the resins of tomorrow, read our main Wood Fiber Composites/Panel Pressing page or contact our experts.